Get ready to visit some of the famous landmarks in Delhi. Start with the Red Fort (UNESCO, closed on Monday). This historic monument built of red sandstone used to be the royal residence of the Mughal emperors. Next, visit one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. As many as 25,000 people can pray together in the vast courtyard. Then, visit the impressive mausoleum belonging to a Mughal ruler, Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO). Qutb Minar (UNESCO) is next. This tall sandstone minaret has a stunning and imposing appearance against the sky. Mark the end of your day with a visit to the Lotus Temple (closed on Monday). The temple is Asia’s only Bahai House of Worship and is named so because the shape resembles a lotus.

Tour highlights in Delhi: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, Qutb Minar, Lotus Temple

After breakfast, travel to Mandawa in Rajasthan. Portraying a stark contrast to Delhi’s city life, Mandawa stands as an isolated semi-arid town in Rajasthan’s Shekhawati. It has gained fame for housing spectacular havelis (merchant’s mansions) that showcase unique paintings. The walls of the havelis are painted with different themes. Every wall tells a different story! A few havelis that are preserved and open for exploration are the Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Chokhani Double Haveli, Bansidhar Newatia Haveli, Sneh Ram Ladia Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli and Mandawa Castle. Indulge in some tasty food from any restaurant in Mandawa and take a stroll around the town to appreciate its uniqueness.

Tour highlights: Mandawa Havelis and Castle

From Mandawa, drive to another nearby town of Shekhawati called Fatehpur. Visit the Nadine Le Prince Haveli in Fatehpur. One of the most exquisite havelis of the surrounding area, this was formerly known as Nand Lal Devra Haveli. It was later named after a French artist, Nadine Le Prince, when she took responsibility to preserve the architecture and artwork of the haveli. After exploring the haveli in Fatehpur, it is time to move towards the next city of Rajasthan, Bikaner. The first tourist attraction to visit in the city is the Junagarh Fort. It was one of the most decorated forts in the state showcasing the opulence and exuberance of Rajasthan's bygone eras. Built by Raja Rai Singh, the fort is filled with interesting history and appealing architectural designs. Witness the magnificence of 500-year-old Rajasthani carvings at this fort.

Tour highlights: Nadine Le Prince Haveli in Fatehpur, Bikaner and Junagarh Fort

This morning, a half-an-hour drive from Bikaner brings you to the famous Karni Mata temple. Housing nearly 25,000 black and white rats, it got its name the Temple of Rats. Not just that but the stucco artwork of the temple is intricately spectacular. Spotting a white rat is rare so the sighting is considered to bring good luck. Then, head south and reach the beautiful city of Jodhpur. Visit the Old Blue City that got its name from the colours of every house on every corner of the street. The blue shade on the house alludes to its existence since the Marwar rule.

Tour highlights: Karni Mata (Temple of Rats), Old Blue City of Jodhpur

Start your day by visiting the Mehrangarh Fort. Settled on a rocky hill called Bhakurcheeria, this grand fortress’s foundation was laid by Rao Jodha. Next, is the Jaswant Thada, an edifice with a royal cenotaph. It was built in memory of Jaswant Singh II. The impeccable craftsmanship of the bygone Rajasthani architecture is still evident in white marble and red sandstones. Then, visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace which is made from golden-yellow sandstones. This sixth-largest private residence in the world is a blend of British, Rajasthani and Buddhist architectural elements. In the afternoon, head west to Pushkar.

Tour highlights in Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace

After breakfast, stroll along the Pushkar Lake and ghats and visit one of the oldest Brahma temples in India. Pushkar also includes an old Savitri temple and Gurudwaras to be discovered. After exploring Pushkar city’s ancient history, head towards Jaipur. Once arrived in the capital of the princely state of Rajasthan, visit the Albert Hall Museum and Nahargarh Fort. The Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum in Rajasthan. It is also the state museum that holds several artefacts from different timelines like the coins of ancient Gupta and Kushan dynasties and an Egyptian mummy. The nearby Nahargarh Fort is your last attraction of the day. Watching over Jaipur, the fort resides on the edge of the Aravalli hills. This picturesque fort has been a part of many Bollywood films. You can get a panoramic view of the entire city from the Nahargarh Fort.

Tour highlights: Pushkar Holy City, Albert Hall Museum, Nahargarh Fort

The Pink City is waiting for you to be explored with the first attraction being the famous Hawa Mahal with its 953 windows. The Palace of Winds (English translation from Hindi language) was built from red and pink sandstone. The windows give it a honeycomb outlook and make the palace extremely windy. Your next destination is the City Palace. A miniature museum along with the existing pavilions, temples and magnificent gardens and courtyards make your visit worthwhile. After that, you reach Jantar Mantar (UNESCO), a 300-year-old astronomical observatory with 19 astronomical devices and is also the home to the world’s largest stone sundial. Amber Palace (UNESCO) is the last location for the day. The shade of amber and the carvings exhibit the craftsmanship of its period. Maota Lake by its side enhances the grandeur of the palace.

Tour highlights in Jaipur: Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amber Palace

Heading towards Agra, visit two spectacular attractions - Chand Baori and Fatehpur Sikri. One of the deepest and largest stepwells in the country, Chand Baori is 13 levels deep and has nearly 3,500 steps. After exploring the picturesque stepwell, visit Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO). This deserted city is located close to Agra and was once was the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. Mostly built with red sandstone, the entire city is an impressive amalgamation of Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture.

Tour highlights: Chand Baori, Fatehpur Sikri

Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal (UNESCO, closed on Friday). This magnificent mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan is a gesture of eternal love. Next is the Agra Fort (UNESCO). Built from red sandstone, the fort was utilised as a royal residence by the Mughals. Finally, visit the Baby Taj as it is said to have inspired the architecture of the Taj Mahal. This baby Taj or Itimad-Ud-Daulah was built in memory of Nur Jahan’s father.

Tour highlights in Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)

Pack your bag and depart from Agra. While travelling back to Delhi, stop at Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra. The mausoleum of the famous Mughal Emperor reflects elements of Indo-Islamic architecture. It is guarded by a natural wildlife sanctuary which is home to deer, peacocks and monkeys. After visiting the tomb, hit the road and take home with you some indelible memories.

Tour highlights: Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra